SAC CITY — An event honoring first responders will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sac City Monument Square.

Firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs risk their lives so that all can enjoy a safer place to live. Americorps, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, New Opportunities, Sac City Hometown Pride, and Sac County Mentoring have partnered to create an exciting event that will fill Sac City’s downtown area with many opportunities.

In addition to meeting and thanking first responders, people will enjoy free food, music by Duane Murley, and a petting zoo from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. Plans are for a medical helicopter to land about 5 p.m. and be available for tours. The Sac County Sheriff’s K-9 unit will demonstrate skills and the Sac City Fire Station will be open for tours. A cake walk, run by Loring Hospital volunteers, will be held in the Criss Gazebo. There will be games for people of all ages and the opportunity to interact with friends, neighbors, and first responders.

Collection boxes are located in area banks and churches for backpacks and school supplies, which will be given to students returning to school. An information fair will provide opportunities to learn about the many programs available to benefit Sac County residents.

Allowing children to meet first responders is a great way to help them become comfortable calling for help if needed and can facilitate family discussion about developing emergency plans.

All are invited to show appreciation for first responders and become better acquainted with the many opportunities available in Sac County.